I recently built a side project. I invested only a few hours, yet to my surprise, many people started using it and giving me positive feedback. This taught me a valuable lesson: the time and effort you pour into a project aren’t always proportional to the success you achieve.

Let’s understand what success is. When we talk about success, people often see it differently—some see it as achieving financial stability, others as gaining recognition or making a significant impact. Personally, I've measured success by the impact my projects have on users' lives, but these apply universally, whether you measure success in revenue, influence, or meaningful outcomes. Understanding what truly defines success in your projects can change how you approach and measure your accomplishments.

However, the truth is that time alone isn't the sole determinant of your project's success. What truly matters are several underlying factors

• Relevance and Timeliness: Not many would buy a pager in the age of smartphones, nor would anyone purchase a VHS player in a time when streaming services dominate entertainment. Your project needs to solve a real pain point or enhance existing solutions to remain relevant and valuable.


• Your Message: Your choice of words can significantly influence how your product is perceived. While product development is crucial, equally important is crafting a compelling narrative. The right language and words have the power to transform an ordinary product into something that resonates deeply with your audience.


• Craftsmanship: Think about how well you do your work and how fast you can get it done. For example, one person might take three hours on a task, while someone else could finish it in two hours by working efficiently and paying attention to details. It's not merely about time invested but how that was executed.

As a product builder myself, these insights have been instrumental in my growth. The key takeaway is the way you approach is everything.